I'm confused Christmas tree or not?

[houston]

Originally Posted by luvtruth

Dec 25th was NOt the birth of God in flesh. the feast of tabernacles was when he was born in the FALL of the year. This is the saturnalia in worship to the SUN-god. Constantine the leader in Rome kept this pagan day & said bring all the gods into this day to worship their birth. God forbid the jews to keep this in the old testament. He FORBID trees to be brought into the home. Goodnews magazine on-line has some wonderful history to this day. Mass comes from the catholics-the death, see this was the beginning of the catholic church...so when u say merry x-mas it means the merry death of Christ..see the Roman leaders tried to kill the early church out..it grew so Satan said lets become a church so he could deceive the church...yes he has ..but Jesus has a church that is studying to show theirself approved & has come out of this pagan worship. Please study this..did u know the pilgrims did not keep this day..it was FORBIDDEN..did u know the Amish do not keep this day? Where is Jesus name people..NO one that is called by his name can justify the worship of this day...Christ was NEVER in this day...Does Grace cover pagan worship...NO! Repentance yes!
Jesus said IF you continue in my Word then are you my disciples....walk in the light as HE is in the light....also go to u-tube & watch the video the orgins of x-mas...u noticed I would NOT put Christ into this...I refuse to pollute his name in this....he is to holy to do this....there was nothing merry about his death!

Thank you, Bill Price.

[TheIndependent]

Originally Posted by Paula

extra biblical meaning it's not in the bible? My husband is against it but we have three kids under 5 (well one just turned 6 this november) and I would love to start that tradition. My Church preaches against it though.

You can break religious tradition without being disrespectful. Pray first. But, I will tell you that not believing in a Christmas tree, especially with children, may instill rebellion in them toward strict doctrines on down the road. Believing that having a Christmas tree in the house is a sin or that you're worshipping it or will be going to hell because of it is unnecessary. Don't believe something just because it was passed down from generation to generation. Study why and seek for yourself. Believe me, it was save a whole lifetime of heartache and regret.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by luvtruth

Dec 25th was NOt the birth of God in flesh.

So?

[TheIndependent]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I agree with advice concerning the fact that the man and woman of the house need to be in agreement, even if it an agreement to disagree. However, kids MUST know that their parents have more authority over them then a pastor. They NEED to know that what mom and dad says is vastly more important than what their pastor says, especially concerning things like family traditions and family life in general.

So basically I am in strong disagreement that the parents need to somehow form a united front with their church in order to point a way for their children. This is coming from someone who was raised more by his pastor, via way of his parents doing whatever he said, then his parents, and is the reason I have still not found a church that I feel comfortable in.

I completely agree! Too much at risk right here...

[missourimary]

Originally Posted by luvtruth

Please study this..did u know the pilgrims did not keep this day..it was FORBIDDEN..did u know the Amish do not keep this day? Where is Jesus name people...

The Pilgrims and the Amish didn't dance, speak in tongues, or baptize in Jesus' name either. Should we stop doing these things because they didn't?

[Paula]

My Husband, who is a lot more rational than I am, says the tree stays since the kids had such a great time putting it up. Since I spoke to my husband first, the kids are oblivious to my wishy washy mindset concerning the tree.

Thanks again for all your advice. WOW this created quite the debate!

Not sure what we'll do next year if the Lord tarries, but my husband and I will definately spend some time praying and figuring out what's best for out three kids. I just want them to be saved.

[houston]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I agree with advice concerning the fact that the man and woman of the house need to be in agreement, even if it an agreement to disagree. However, kids MUST know that their parents have more authority over them then a pastor. They NEED to know that what mom and dad says is vastly more important than what their pastor says, especially concerning things like family traditions and family life in general.

So basically I am in strong disagreement that the parents need to somehow form a united front with their church in order to point a way for their children. This is coming from someone who was raised more by his pastor, via way of his parents doing whatever he said, then his parents, and is the reason I have still not found a church that I feel comfortable in.

Originally Posted by Paula

My Husband, who is a lot more rational than I am, says the tree stays since the kids had such a great time putting it up. Since I spoke to my husband first, the kids are oblivious to my wishy washy mindset concerning the tree.

Thanks again for all your advice. WOW this created quite the debate!

Not sure what we'll do next year if the Lord tarries, but my husband and I will definately spend some time praying and figuring out what's best for out three kids. I just want them to be saved.

Really, take Randy's post to heart.

[TheIndependent]

Originally Posted by Paula

My Husband, who is a lot more rational than I am, says the tree stays since the kids had such a great time putting it up. Since I spoke to my husband first, the kids are oblivious to my wishy washy mindset concerning the tree.

Thanks again for all your advice. WOW this created quite the debate!

Not sure what we'll do next year if the Lord tarries, but my husband and I will definately spend some time praying and figuring out what's best for out three kids. I just want them to be saved.

Something to think about. This may be a weak analogy, but I'm trying to convey a rational point...

Think of your home and all that's within it: decor, furniture, and any themes you might have. Would you consider everything in your home to be something that would either hinder or aid your salvation? I'm not specifically implying a television or radio, or anything you might watch or listen to. More or less what your taste is.

Now, think of the Christmas tree. Traditionally, you only put it up and take it down around what the Roman calendar says is Christmas. If you don't idolize the furniture, decor, or environmental taste in your home anymore than the fear of possibly idolizing a Christmas tree, then I'd say you're just fine having one to celebrate that certain time of year.

Might sound "way out there" for you, but take it to heart, pray and hopefully you'll find a practical answer between now and next Christmas.

[Aquila]

The Christmas tree is simply a Western cultural tradition.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Paula

My Husband, who is a lot more rational than I am, says the tree stays since the kids had such a great time putting it up. Since I spoke to my husband first, the kids are oblivious to my wishy washy mindset concerning the tree.

Thanks again for all your advice. WOW this created quite the debate!

Not sure what we'll do next year if the Lord tarries, but my husband and I will definately spend some time praying and figuring out what's best for out three kids. I just want them to be saved.

Paula, I agree with your husband. If you guys decide not to have a tree again, that's fine, but since you have it, I think it's best to leave it and enjoy your holidays without feeling guilty about it. Enjoy your family, and love your husband for being so rational and steady.

My suggestion would be that you guys discuss it privately after Christmas this year and decide on a permanent plan.

If you decide against a tree, and the kids ask about it next year, I would just say, "Oh, we're just going to stack the presents next to the fireplace this year. Do you want to go the store and help me pick out a wreath for the front door?" If they want to delve deeper, I would keep it simple; something like, *It's important that we make choices with a clear conscience, and even if there's nothing really wrong with a tree, I feel a little guilty about it for a few reasons, so we're going to celebrate Christmas in other ways.* That way, the kids aren't made to feel guilty for wanting a tree with decorations; kwim?

If you and your husband decide to continue having a tree, then do it happily with zero guilt--or don't do it.